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Arctic Char Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to Arctic char
About Arctic char
A member of the trout and salmon family, Arctic char is very similar in appearance to a salmon. It has silver skin with blue and green coloration along its back. Arctic char prefer to inhabit icy waters and are popular in northern parts of the world.
On average, an Arctic char will range between eight and 10 pounds, making them about the same size as a salmon. They have a flavor that is very distinctive and easy to identify, falling between the taste of a salmon and the taste of a trout. It is moderately firm and produces a much finer flake than other fish in its family.
The fish is extremely moist due to a high fat content, making it easier to cook and harder to dry out. The Arctic char fillets can range from a light pink to a dark red, though the color of the meat does not change the flavor.
Arctic char cooking tips
The Arctic char is an anadromous fish, which means it runs the risk of having parasites. Because of this, it is important to make sure that the fish is either frozen before use or cooked through to ensure that all possible parasites have been killed.
Preparing and cooking Arctic char is relatively simple, and the more simply it is prepared, the more its unique flavor will have a chance to shine.
Those who like the taste of trout will typically enjoy the taste of Arctic char, even if they find the taste of salmon overpowering. You will want to cook your Arctic char in the same way you would cook trout, with broiling and grilling being the most popular options. Baking and poaching are also popular preparation methods but will make the skin very thick and leather-like once it is cooked through, requiring it to be removed.
The fish also has a high oil content, which makes smoking Arctic char a good option when using it for an appetizer or on a charcuterie board.
When you have cooked it right, your Arctic char will be white and glistening, losing all translucence. It should be tender and flake easily with a fork. Be sure that you don't overcook your fish as it will lose a lot of its amazing texture if it becomes dry.
Arctic Char Near Me
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FAQs about Arctic char
To get the best flavor, you will want to find wild-caught Arctic char, but if you can't find wild-caught in your region, then farmed Arctic char is a good alternative. When you pick your fillets, you will want to make sure the flesh is moist-looking and has a glistening appearance. The flesh should be free from any gaps or blemishes.
You will also want to smell the fish since its odor can be a sign of its age. The smell should be mild, fresh, and smell like ocean water. If it smells fishy, it is likely not as fresh.
If you want to buy a skin-on fillet, you should make sure that the scales have been removed and that the skin is completely intact.
You should store Arctic char in the refrigerator shortly after it is purchased. Be sure to put it into the coldest part of your refrigerator. You can also slow the spoiling process by storing your fish in a strainer in your refrigerator. Put the strainer over a bowl and then fill it with ice. This will help in two ways. First, it will keep the fish at the ideal temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Secondly, it will allow the water to constantly wash the bacteria off the fish as it drains into a bowl.
Another option is to bag your fish and place it on top of a bag of ice. This should keep it around 33 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping it below 40 degrees Fahrenheit will cut the spoilage time in half.
Yes, you can eat the skin of an Arctic char, and it can be delicious when crispy. You will want to make sure that all of the scales are removed and grill, broil, or pan-fry the fish before eating. To make the taste of the skin really shine, it is best to cook the fillet in a pan with a little bit of oil. Baking and boiling are not good options when you wish to eat the skin as they can make it too tough to consume.
If you are a fan of salmon but looking for something a little milder or love the taste of trout, then Arctic char may be worth a try. Your Instacart shopper can choose a great fillet for you and have it delivered to your door the same day!